OutLoud & Revive
Located in the center of gay Nashville, OutLoud Bookstore and it's sister coffehouse, Revive, are a great place to shop and relax. OutLoud is a combination book, music and gift store. You can peruse DVD's, books and gay pride memorabilia before heading next door to Revive to enjoy one of their many drinks and baked goods. What better way to unwind after a busy day of Pride partying in the park then with a GLBT book and a cup of hot green tea? Located at 1703 Church Street. outloudonline.com
OutCentral Community Center
It's a hub of activity for the GLBTQIF community offering a variety of game nights, movie nights, workshops and other special events each week. The first of its kind in Nashville, the Center also offers meeting space where groups can meet and collaborate to build strong relationships within the community. Visit outcentral.org to see what they have in store during pride week.
Shopping
The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a little store nestled in the heart of Nashville off Broadway. This store has a little bit of everything for the pop culture junkie. Looking for a rare Madonna bootleg? Trying to find that “Watchman” comic #5 to complete your collection? The Great Escape will be your new favorite place to shop. You can find everything here from movie posters, vinyl records, rare comics and CD bootlegs to vintage toys. Let your inner pop-culture geek have a field day at 1925 Broadway. thegreatescapeonline.com
Tourist Attraction
The Frist
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is located in Downtown Nashville and features many concurrent exhibits. During Pride week you may stop in to see “Seeing Ourselves,” an exhibition of photographs taken by families living at the Safe Haven Family Shelter. The shelter is a residential center for homeless families with children in Nashville. Another exhibit in residence is “Museums in the 21st Century” a look at the architecture of museums around the world, shown through sketches, photographs and models. The adult entrance fee is normally $7 but the galleries are free on June 20 with a special coupon in the June edition of O&AN. The Frist is located at 919 Broadway. fristcenter.org
The Rymer Gallery
Open Tuesday through Saturday (11 a.m - 6 p.m.), the Rymer Gallery is the largest contemporary gallery in the heart of Nashville’s arts district. Continuing the legacy endowed by The Betty Rymer Gallery at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the galler supports the best of what the contemporary art world has to offer. During June, the 3,000 square foot gallery will feature SCAD-N, the work by faculty and alumni of Savannah College of Art and Design. The Rymer Gallery is located at 233 Fifth Avenue North. therymergallery.com
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is a Nashville tourism hot spot. The Hall features many exhibits including the permanent yet constantly changing installation, “Sing Me Back Home,” which takes you on a journey through the history of Country Music. A limited engagement exhibit, “Family Tradition,” tells the story of the First Family of Country, the Williams family. This exhibit delves into the behind-the-scenes lives of Hank and Hank Jr. through family mementos and stories. Admission to the Hall is $19.99. The Hall is located at 222 Fifth Avenue South. countrymusichalloffame.com
Nashville Ghost Tours
Want a reason to cuddle up next to your partner? Nashville Ghost Tours will have you hearing that “bump” in the night. They have four tours led by period-dressed guides: Downtown Nashville, Haunted Taverns, Cemetery and Carriage Rides. The downtown tour takes you on a 90-minute journey led by lantern light to the most historically haunted areas. The Tavern and Cemetery tours take you to targeted locales of eerie and supernatural lore. The Carriage Ride consists of an hour-long trip complete with tales of Confederate ghosts and hauntings. Reservations required. Call 615-884-3999 for more info. nashvilleghosttours.com
Entertainment
Belcourt Theatre
The Belcourt Theatre is a lasting symbol of a the tradition of the neighborhood theatre. This is no multi-plex. The theatre showcases some of the best films of decades past, as well as new independent features and live music. Their concession stand consists of your typical movie fare (popcorn and soda) but also includes a fully stocked bar. How could you have a better movie-going experience than to sit in a historical theatre, sipping your favorite liquor or beer, while enjoying a classic film? The Belcourt is located at 2102 Belcourt Avenue. belcourt.org
Lodging
The Hotel Preston
Heading into Nashville for Pride and need a place to stay? Your Pride oasis awaits at the Hotel Preston. Located just outside of downtown, they offer a “Gaycation” package which features all the things you will need to round off your stay in Nashville. You will enjoy pink champagne in the Pink Slip Lounge where local artists will keep you entertained. When it's time to head to bed, a romance gift set will be waiting. You must be 21 to enjoy this special package. The Hotel Preston is located at 733 Briley Parkway. Give them a call at 877-361-5500. hotelpreston.com
Hotel Indigo
If you are wanting to stay downtown for Pride, then book your room at Hotel Indigo. Located at 1719 West End Avenue, the Indigo is a ten-minute walk to Church Street, the heart of gay Nashville. But with all the amenities, you may never want to leave. There are two eateries, The Golden Bean (a casual coffeehouse) and Phi (a gourmet bistro) and a fully-equipped gym. With beautiful city views and newly renovated rooms, the Hotel Indigo is a perfect place to lay your head while in Nashville. Call 1-877-8-Indigo to make your reservation. hotelindigo.com
Dance/Bar
The Lipstick Lounge
The Lipstick Lounge is famous throughout the south as the bar to visit when in Nashville. Lesbian-owned and founded in 2002, the “Lounge” is a popular nightspot for all walks of life. The friendly staff, events and daily food and drink specials make Lipstick a home away from home to anyone who enters. With a mix of live music, karaoke, and pure hip-hop dance music, every traveler is sure to find something to enjoy at this bar. The Lipstick Lounge is located at 1400 Woodland Street. thelipsticklounge.com
Play
If you're in a dancing mood after the day's festivities have come to a close, you won't want to miss out on Play Dance Bar. Nationally known as one of the hottest places to shake your groove thing, Play offers a massive dancefloor, constant lazer lightshow and multi-level bar. And let's not forget the Playmates. The bar's ever-entertaining cast of drag queens take the stage in the showbar each night Wednesday through Sunday at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Play is located at 1519 Church Street. playdancebar.com
Tribe and Red Restaurant
Located just next door to Play is its sister bar, Tribe, and Red Restaurant. A big-city type video bar, Tribe offers up a variety of top-notch drinks (we recommend a tasty martini) in a sophisticated setting. A short walk through Tribe will bring you to Red Restaurant for a slower-paced, fine dining experience. Red offers a lengthy menu and rotating dinner and drink specials which can all be enjoyed inside or out on their fancy patio. Tribe is located at 1517 Church St. tribenashville.com
Live Music/Bar
Wildhorse Saloon
When in Nashville, every country music lover should find their way to the Wildhorse Saloon. Known throughout the south for its live music and friendly atmosphere, there is something to excite everyone at the Saloon. The Wildhorse is perfect if you want to see a live show, learn to line dance or want to chow down on a juicy steak. Every night begins with an acoustic band set and dance lessons with the DJ before the full band joins the party. The Wildhorse is located at 120 Second Ave. North. wildhorsesaloon.com
Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe has become known as the place to hear Nashville's rising songwriters. Every Sunday night is Writer's Night. While the cafe does serve a variety of food and beverages, they consider themselves a listening room, not a dining room. Don't venture here unless you are ready for music because talking during a performance will get you a quick “Shhhh” from the staff. Special guests are always stopping by so consider making reservations at 615-383-1461 if you would like to see someone in particular. The Bluebird Cafe is located at 4104 Hillsboro Pike. bluebirdcafe.com
Dining
Tazza
Looking for Nashville's freshest cuisine? Look no further than Tazza, where even their name means "fresh." Located at 510 Church Street, Tazza sits in the middle of Downtown. It may look small but, step inside and you will find not one but three separate dining rooms serving made from scratch American/Italian cuisine. Tazza offers a mix of culinary fare that is sure to delight even the most finicky of palates. Their prices are low for a city-center eatery, and their portion sizes are fit for a bear. Downtown deliveries available at 615-742-3223. tazzatn.com
Mafiaoza's
Located outside the Downtown area at 2400 12th Avenue South, Mafiaoza's is a great place to grab a beer and a slice o' pizza with friends. The menu is “New York Italian” but Mafiaoza's is known for its delicious pizzas. With thirteen gourmet pizzas to choose from, you should be able to find the perfect slice for you or build your own pizza pie then build your own pie with their mouth-watering array of toppings. Oh, and their desserts are the bomb, too. mafiaozas.com
Marche Artisan Foods
Marche Artisan foods is a European-style cafe and marketplace rolled into one. You can dine on the savory dishes from their menu for brunch, lunch and dinner throughout the day or be adventurous and buy the trimmings necessary to create your own menu. You can call in special orders for the raw ingredients to make your own international cuisine at 615-262-1111. The cafe offers wine and changes up its menu from month-to-month so you can find something to new to enjoy every few weeks. Marche is located at 1000 Main Street in East Nashville. marcheartisanfoods.com